Smartphones Damaged by Water Infiltration Not Repaired for Free

The Australian government has filed a suit against Samsung Electronics Australia regarding the company’s advertisement for Galaxy smartphones’ waterproof functions.

The Australian government recently filed a suit against Samsung Electronics Australia, claiming that the company’s advertisement regarding Galaxy smartphones’ waterproof functions is misleading.

The latest flagship smartphones of Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Apple come with IP68 waterproof and dustproof functions, meaning the devices can be protected for 30 minutes at a water depth of 150 centimeters. The functions are based on the lab test conditions of clean water, 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and a water pressure of 86 to 106 kPa. The protection is not ensured in the case of, for example, alcohol-containing water, salt water, ionic water, very hot or cold water and high water pressures.

At present, the manufacturers’ principle is that smartphones damaged by water infiltration cannot be repaired for free. “The infiltration label in a device is damaged once it gets wet by or is immersed in a liquid such as water,” both Samsung and LG explained, adding, “The damaged label constitutes an abnormal use.”

They conduct an IP68-based waterproof test when damage by water infiltration is claimed without label damage. Free repair is available only when the waterproof function is deemed inadequate. Consumers are held accountable for water infiltration during swimming and water sports. Internal corrosion occurs very fast particularly in the case of exposure to water mixed with salt or the like. Apple’s official website clearly says that it provides no free after-sales service in the case of liquid-based damage.

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